Glancing through our most popular posts today, I was a little appalled when I realized that the article, “I've lost my passion for life. How do I renew it?” had taken over the top slot.
I've been through depression, and it's scary to think that millions of people are flocking to articles like that during this crisis.
I think maybe it's because we're seeing supposedly motivational posts come out that read like, “If you don't emerge from lockdown as a millionaire with six-pack abs, you're a loser.”
I'm a business coach, so see a lot of the behind the scenes action that doesn't get posted on Facebook or Twitter. The reality of the situation is that many multi-millionaires have now lost everything.
I get to see the local restaurant owner coming to me saying, “I'm filing for bankruptcy and closing down. We overextended ourselves before this all started, and my wife and I have decided it's just not worth the fight anymore. Do you know if there's a way I can save my home?”
Unfortunately, that particular guy didn't set up a proper LLC with a robust operating agreement. He also signed notes with personal guarantees, so while I hope he can wiggle out of it with a good lawyer, unfortunately, they can come after his non-business assets.
I see the struggles new business owners go through. Contrary to popular belief, most new business owners struggle for a long time before getting to the point they are making ANY money.
As a former life coach, I also still get messages like, “I've scared of dying. It's so overwhelming that it's paralyzing me right now. Can you help?”
The reality is that if you're going through a tough time right now, you're going through a tough time. No motivational quotes I could give you is going to sugarcoat that.
Yes, you should exercise and eat healthy stuff.
Yes, you should work on your skills.
But don't be too tough on yourself. If you've gained a couple of pounds while being locked in your house, that's understandable. If you aren't rocking a six-pack, welcome to the club.
If your “non-essential” business is closed so you can't make any money; you aren't alone. Yes, many companies can figure out a way to operate through these times, and I'd be happy to have a conversation with you to see if we can figure out how to make that happen for yours, but not all businesses can.
One of my favorite quotes came from Tony Horton, the guy who made P90X. “Do your best and forget the rest.”
In these uncertain times, that's all you can do. Do your best, and forget the rest. It'll be ok in the long run, it always is.
Just keep in mind that unless you or a family member is sick (which is a whole other level of this sucks), I know your best is a bit better than chips and Netflix 24×7.
Don't be too hard on yourself just because things aren't working out right this very moment, but don't let yourself off too easy either. Enjoy your downtime, but do at least a few productive things each day, and it'll all work out.
